Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed is the average from all the submissions.
